When children wonder about sex, where will they go for the answers? Providing accurate, lucid, unbiased answers to nearly every conceivable questi...
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Feb 06, 2012
David
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Highly relevant health information for tweens, and teens. The subtitle is Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health. There are really humorous guides in the book - a parrot and a bee. They actually act more like tweens, bouncing questions off each other and asking all the questions that tweens might be thinking, but are too afraid to ask.
The new edition includes more info that informs readers about same-sex couples, IUD birth control methods, and HIV/AIDS. This makes the book ext More...
The new edition includes more info that informs readers about same-sex couples, IUD birth control methods, and HIV/AIDS. This makes the book ext More...
Dec 11, 2011
Dena
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Summary: This book is a guide for parents to open a dialogue with their child about sex. It covers subjects such as sexual activity, birth control, gender issues, body parts, and puberty.
Personal Reaction: I’d like to start by saying that I went to a bookstore and five libraries before I found this book, which is kept on reserve at Newton Grisham Library. Quite frankly, I don’t understand what the big deal is in regards to this book. Why is this a book that so many feel should be bann More...
Personal Reaction: I’d like to start by saying that I went to a bookstore and five libraries before I found this book, which is kept on reserve at Newton Grisham Library. Quite frankly, I don’t understand what the big deal is in regards to this book. Why is this a book that so many feel should be bann More...
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Dec 06, 2011
Chauncey
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Summary: This is the second time I've been asked to read this book as part of a graduate school assignment, and I was pleased to read it again. It is filled with a tremendous amount of factual information about sex, sexual health, the changes people go through during puberty, where babies come from, and personal health. Although it's very factual, the book is not dry or clinical. The two characters that guide the reader through the book (a bird and a bee, appropriately) offer their thoughts on e
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Dec 02, 2011
Najentel
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It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley
Summary:
All the things you wanted to know about growing up and so much more. This book covers topics like diversity in families, changing bodies, sex, birth, and internet safety. Each topic is presented at a level that is easy to understand, even for the recommended 10 years old. The facts are given is a straight forward manner and the illustrations help to answer any additional questions kids may have.
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Summary:
All the things you wanted to know about growing up and so much more. This book covers topics like diversity in families, changing bodies, sex, birth, and internet safety. Each topic is presented at a level that is easy to understand, even for the recommended 10 years old. The facts are given is a straight forward manner and the illustrations help to answer any additional questions kids may have.
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Nov 29, 2011
Lori
rated it:
Summary:
Going through puberty can be a difficult, awkward, and challenging time for youth. It can also be difficult for kids to ask a trusted adult about what is happening to their bodies. Parents knowing when to start up the conversation and what they should say can also be trying.
This book does a great job of starting a conversation between a trusted adult and youth. It includes unbiased information that discusses the basics for younger children to understand and more in- More...
Going through puberty can be a difficult, awkward, and challenging time for youth. It can also be difficult for kids to ask a trusted adult about what is happening to their bodies. Parents knowing when to start up the conversation and what they should say can also be trying.
This book does a great job of starting a conversation between a trusted adult and youth. It includes unbiased information that discusses the basics for younger children to understand and more in- More...
Nov 06, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
This book provides a treasure trove of information about being an adolescent. It talks about their changing bodies and growing up in general. It goes into detail about sex, sexual relationships, families, and healthy habits. There are two cartoon figures that are seen throughout the books, a bird, who is not interested in discussing anything about puberty, and a bird who wants to know as much as possible. Their interactions are pretty funny. There are color drawings throughout the book; man
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Jun 14, 2011
Alison
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It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health is a book for young adults about the physical and emotional changes one’s body goes through during puberty. Harris and Emberley also detail different perspectives on families and offer health advice.
It’s perfectly normal has very straight-forward text that could be easily grasped by younger middle school students. In fact, older students may feel patronized by the simplicity of the text. Illustrations of a bird and More...
It’s perfectly normal has very straight-forward text that could be easily grasped by younger middle school students. In fact, older students may feel patronized by the simplicity of the text. Illustrations of a bird and More...
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Dec 03, 2011
Junemorris
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This book is a very specific explanation of sex and the changing body during puberty. The photos are specific, and it doesn't leave much to the imigination. The book has information for both boys and girls.
I was very surprised by this book. it is not what I expected. I did think it was very informative though. With two teenagers in my house, they are both very aware of sex, and we talk about it openly. I can see where this book could come in handy if they had not already know More...
I was very surprised by this book. it is not what I expected. I did think it was very informative though. With two teenagers in my house, they are both very aware of sex, and we talk about it openly. I can see where this book could come in handy if they had not already know More...
Mar 30, 2011
Angi
rated it: 
Waaay to graphic for a 10 year old, or even a young teenager. All of the written work is very good and scientific. But I do not think a 10 year old should have a step by step description of the act of sex. Also, it seems to take the view that you will see many different naked people throughout your life. There were waaaaaaay to many cartoons of naked people. I was uncomfortable with it. I don't think there is anything wrong with only seeing your spouse and children naked. It was just to mu
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Mar 29, 2009
Robert
rated it:
Robie H. Harris, It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health 2/E (Candlewick, 2004)
I was a kid in the seventies, and at the time, sex-ed manuals for kids were pretty bland stuff. Sure, they had funny illustrations and got the point across, but information was the order of the day, and it was all designed to let you know that all those changes your body was going through were normal. You weren't alone. Robie Harris' controversial, but very entertaining, More...
I was a kid in the seventies, and at the time, sex-ed manuals for kids were pretty bland stuff. Sure, they had funny illustrations and got the point across, but information was the order of the day, and it was all designed to let you know that all those changes your body was going through were normal. You weren't alone. Robie Harris' controversial, but very entertaining, More...
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Mar 03, 2011
Dan
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This book is a highly useful resource for kids at the young end of the YA spectrum as well as parents and educators looking for a way to approach teaching children about changing bodies, sex, and love. The book covers everything imaginable related to sex ed in a frank and understandable manner. Topics such as homosexuality and birth control receive a neutral, fair discussion; judgement is not made against any such topic.
Naturally, sex ed is a tricky topic. Thankfully, the honest discussion More...
Naturally, sex ed is a tricky topic. Thankfully, the honest discussion More...
May 04, 2011
Alexandria
rated it:
This is one of the best sexual education books for young adults out there. The book is very carefully researched and covers a wide variety of topics such as the men and women sex organs, masturbation, types of families, etc... It covers every topic that is associated with sexual health and it does it in a way that kids will understand. The book does a great job illustrating these changes through a comic strip about menstruation, and even using cartoons with nudity to show these changes. This
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Sep 08, 2008
This book is on the bibliography of books challenged, restricted, removed or banned in 2007-2008 put out by Robert P. Doyle and the American Library Association. More info at http://www.ila.org/pdf/2008banned.pdf
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Dec 02, 2011
Christetta
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This book is about the “the birds and the bees” and is recommended for ages 10 and up. The book literally covers what the byline says: Changing Bodies, Growing UP, Sex, and Sexual Health. It also has a page devoted to “Praise from Experts”. Your guides throughout the book are a bird and bee. The bird is a little more open to what he’s hearing and seeing and the bee is a little more reluctant to what he’s hearing. The pages are illustrated with graphics, not photos, which makes the presenta
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Jul 17, 2010
Julie
rated it:
Okay, so I thought nothing would make me blush when it comes to talking to my son about sexuality, but this one challenged me. I actually didn't even give it to my son, who is totally the right age for it, because I couldn't handle one little thing...I'M HORRIFIED at myself! But there's an illustration of mom and dad having sex, and, well, I just don't want him visualizing me in that position. Is this awful of me? I think it is, but I can't get past it. The information in this book is thoro
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Oct 24, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
Positively reviewed. (www.denverlibrary.org)
Portraying a variety of ethnic groups, and using cartoon figures to demonstrate difficult ideas, this is the go-to book for young adults with questions about puberty and sex. It is thorough without being terribly awkward, and carefully but honestly addresses topics of sex, sexual health, abuse, and teen pregnancies. While this book is frequently challenged, it is a reliable, well-researched set of answers to pressing questions all young ad More...
Portraying a variety of ethnic groups, and using cartoon figures to demonstrate difficult ideas, this is the go-to book for young adults with questions about puberty and sex. It is thorough without being terribly awkward, and carefully but honestly addresses topics of sex, sexual health, abuse, and teen pregnancies. While this book is frequently challenged, it is a reliable, well-researched set of answers to pressing questions all young ad More...
Dec 28, 2008
Duane
rated it:
This is the best book to give anyone who is suffering the times of change that most adolescents go through. Filled with great illustrations and real-world information, this book holds nothing back. Is it too graphic? I don't think so. Is it too much for younger kids? You bet it is, but for those who are entering puberty and past, this book should be in their hands immediately. Every library should have this book in their collection to help youngsters understand their bodies. And personally, if y
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Apr 07, 2010
Alisa
rated it:
This book is a great reference and helps adults speak to their children. Children have a hard time talking to us but in the same sense, sometimes we are not sure what exactly to say to them. With this book, It's perfectly Normal, It gives kids unbiased, anatomically correct, scientificly correct info. I know I was a curious, squeemish child and now adays, kids are going through puberty at younger and younger ages, this book helps them understand that this is not just happening to them, that it h
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May 02, 2011
Kim
rated it:
This is the quintessential book about growing up and body changes. The text is easy to understand and there is a fun little dialogue between a bird and a bee add some levity to subjects that are often embarrassing or touchy.
I had a hard time deciding what age group would be appropriate for this book. While it is very straight-forward and the language is child-friendly, I had mixed feelings about some of the pictures. They're cartoons and they aren't necessarily graphic, but More...
I had a hard time deciding what age group would be appropriate for this book. While it is very straight-forward and the language is child-friendly, I had mixed feelings about some of the pictures. They're cartoons and they aren't necessarily graphic, but More...
Aug 30, 2009
Rachel
rated it:
So this book was really interesting. On one hand I was kind of embarrassed looking at all the nude people and rather graphic though cartoon-y images(granted it was in a library) and on the other hand, I thought it was funny and really well done. Now I wish they had something like this when I was a kid. My sex ed class in middle school was laughable and didn't teach us anything. My mom's idea of sex ed was pulling me aside at 11/12 and showing me the PBS special "The Miracle of Birth" w
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Oct 22, 2008
Erica
rated it:
Michael Emberley (Illustrator)
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: Candlewick Press, Summerville, MA
Publishers Weekly
( January 29, 1996 ; 1-56402-159-9 )
In a starred review, PW said, "this intelligent, amiable and carefully researched book... frankly explains the physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty." Emberley's watercolor and pencil art "reinforces [the] message that bodies come in all sizes, shapes More...
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: Candlewick Press, Summerville, MA
Publishers Weekly
( January 29, 1996 ; 1-56402-159-9 )
In a starred review, PW said, "this intelligent, amiable and carefully researched book... frankly explains the physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty." Emberley's watercolor and pencil art "reinforces [the] message that bodies come in all sizes, shapes More...
Dec 02, 2011
Jamie
rated it:
When kids get to a certain age, they begin to have questions. It’s Perfectly Normal is a terrific source of information about their bodies and the changes they are going through and the feelings they are having. Topics include physical and emotional changes during puberty, sexual orientation, how babies are made and born, and sexual intercourse. This book is a useful tool for parents and a kid friendly yet informative book for helping kids learn all about their own sexuality.
Oct 22, 2010
Theresa
rated it:
This book has really great information, the newest edition includes bisexuality, talks about abortion rights and contraception and has really thorough but not graphic illustrations (cartoons).
There were a few things I didn't like:
Sometimes the three-column text format and spliting the chapters without moveing to a new page made the flow of reading a little awkward.
The gender discussion does not include transgendered individuals and instead says the male an More...
There were a few things I didn't like:
Sometimes the three-column text format and spliting the chapters without moveing to a new page made the flow of reading a little awkward.
The gender discussion does not include transgendered individuals and instead says the male an More...
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Dec 02, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
I'm glad this book exists. I wish I would have known about it when I was growing up. Puberty and sex questions can be hard for parents to discuss with their children. I think this book would be great to have available when you finally decide to sit down and have "that chat". I was concerned about the number of naked body illustrations. It's not surprising to me that this book was not in the collection at my school. I appreciate the unbiased representations.
Apr 09, 2009
nicole
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read this at home, embarrassed by the thought of reading it on the train. i like that it is careful to devote exactly the same detail, length and depictions to both male and female issues. sort of just turned through the last few pages. can totally see why this wasn't in any of the libraries i requested from - who didn't love tiny illustrated genitalia when they're in the target age demo for this book?
Oct 05, 2010
Chris
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This is a book that parents of kids, pre-teens and teens should buy for their kids because it explains complicated issues about sex in a easy to read and understand format. The idea of why people have different bodies and what that means for you is important for kids to understand and why. It covers everything that both girls and boys wonder about in a cartoon fashion.
Mar 03, 2011
Christina
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This book will tell preteens/teens everything they need to know about their body, puberty, sex, and everything in between. It is full of illustrations depicting whatever it is that page is discussing. It is a good book to go to for sex ed when there might not be any around. It handles these sticky topics very well. I would recommend it to kids 12 and up.
May 25, 2010
I check this book out so much from the library. When the author spoke today and signed copies, I knew it was one I had to have in my home library. It's the GO TO book for me when the kids have questions about their bodies, development, etc. Robie Harris was thoughtful, eloquent, and plain wonderful in the discussion about Tweens!
Oct 17, 2011
Kara
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I got to meet the author in college - guest speaker in a children literature class. Apparently the illustrations were a lot harder than the text. The decision to actually show sex was a big one and the biggest part of showing two naked bodies "doing it" was realizing just how, well, silly sex looks!
Nov 28, 2011
Kristin
rated it:
A well-rounded, descriptive book about sexual health. This book goes into detail about numerous topics, such as sexuality, masturbation, and birth control methods.
I thought this was a great overview of sexual health for young people. It’s completely unbiased, looking at each topic with an objective point of view. It’s the perfect way to teach kids about all the various things that go along with sex and sexual health without skewing any information.
I thought this was a great overview of sexual health for young people. It’s completely unbiased, looking at each topic with an objective point of view. It’s the perfect way to teach kids about all the various things that go along with sex and sexual health without skewing any information.
